Machine Operator - 3rd Shift Kemper

Ditsch; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k Retirement Plan

PTO & Holidays

Training & Development

Job summary

Ditsch USA, a leading pretzel producer, seeks a Food Production Machine Operator in Cincinnati to set up, operate, and maintain packaging and process equipment. You will ensure safety, quality, and traceability while meeting daily production goals.

Ideal candidates hold a high school diploma or equivalent with 1–2 years of manufacturing experience and familiarity with PLC-controlled equipment. Comprehensive benefits accompany this role.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• Mechanical skills and 1–2 years of manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations in manufacturing.
• Food manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled equipment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up, start-up, shutdown, lockout, sanitation, and operation of packaging/processing equipment to meet safety and quality targets.
• Maintain GMPs and food safety standards; keep machinery clean per SSOPs.
• Monitor product quality, weight, dates; conduct tests and log results; MMC/HACCP CCPs.
• Adjust machine settings to maintain product flow and optimal performance; collaborate across shifts.
• Maintain inventory traceability; load/unload materials as needed; ensure proper packaging materials.
• Troubleshoot machine issues and coordinate with support teams to improve processes.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Safety-conscious

English literacy

Team communication

Problem solving

Reading technical docs

Leadership

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Manufacturing experience (1-2 years)

Tools

PLC-controlled equipment

Packaging machinery

Job description

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Northland: Position: Machine Operator - Food Industry
Department: Production
Starting at: $22.25-$24.25 per hour
Shift & Time: Third Shift, 10pm-6am, Monday-Friday, Weekends as needed
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

DITSCH USA creates memorable pretzel experiences! We bake artisan pretzels available for both food service and retail markets. As a leading producer of pretzels, we are committed to freshness and providing clean-label products. The quality of our irresistible products comes from more than 100 years of experience and craftsmanship in the ART OF PRETZEL MAKING!

We seek those who want to learn and grow within our organization. Ditsch USA offers development options to add to your skill set and open new opportunities for you within our organization. At Ditsch USA you will find a welcoming, safe, and team-orientated environment.

As a Food Production Machine Operator, you'll be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machinery to ensure top-notch production. Your role is pivotal in maintaining efficiency, quality, and safety standards while leading the charge toward meeting our production goals daily.

Responsibilities:

• Perform all functions associated with the start-up, shutdown, lockout, sanitation, and operation of the packaging and/or process equipment to produce products safely, with high quality & that meets or exceeds our targets for cost.
• Must hold safety to the highest standard and maintain good manufacturing practices with emphasis on quality & food safety. Maintain & clean machinery using specified tools and equipment per the Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs)
• Monitor and maintain proper product & packaging quality, appearance, weight, code dates, etc. Conduct periodic tests to ensure consistent product quality & document results. Perform quality control testing as well as record data in production & quality logs. Monitor metal detector CCP in accordance with HACCP programs.
• Efficiently operate and monitor all process and/or packaging equipment to maintain product flow by adjusting machine settings, maintaining center lines, etc. to achieve optimal performance. Collaborate with all team members, across all shifts to ensure smooth operations.
• Operate automated equipment not limited to touchscreens, electronic sensors, controllers, actuators, photo eyes and motors. Observe and adjust controls to maintain product specifications.
• Maintain accurate traceability of inventory throughout the use of ingredients and packaging material. Order & retrieve necessary materials to the work area - load and unload machines as needed.
• Troubleshoot machine issues and routinely clean and maintain equipment & workspace. Collaborate with all support teams to resolve issues, establish and improve processes, etc.
• Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common industry, production, and technical documents in English.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficient understanding of production procedures and equipment.
• Commitment to maintaining high safety standards.
• Strong leadership and communication skills within a team environment.
• Proven experience in a fast-paced environment with a focus on quality and safety.
• Ability to comprehend and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic math skills and ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Prior proficiency in equipment uses and operation.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Mechanical skills and experience in a manufacturing environment (preferably 1-2 years).
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Previous food manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Two years of food production experience, preferred.
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled equipment, preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment.
• Ability of adjusting or moving objects of varying weights up to 50 lbs. in all directions.
• Ability to communicate with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Ability to withstand various climates through the facility i.e. freezer, dock, production (as low as -15 degrees up to 110 degrees)
• Ability to work in an environment with flashing lights, horns, and powered moving equipment operating in proximity.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking and/or remaining in a stationary position and often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Ability to move self into different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and/or confined spaces.
• Must be physically able to ascend and descend ladders, stairs, ramps, poles and scaffolding.
• Excellent hand/eye coordination.
• Ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Adaptability to work in diverse environments and surfaces.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs and maintain a clean work environment.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment as needed.
• Stand and move around the manufacturing floor for up to 8 hours.
• Capability to stand, walk, squat, and perform repetitive tasks.

What we offer you (perks, bonuses, benefits):

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Automatic, FREE $25,000 life insurance policy
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Additional voluntary life, AD&D, Critical Illness, and Short-Term Disability
• 401k Retirement Plan with Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays
• Ongoing training and development

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities required of the employee in this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The physical requirements are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Ditsch USA, is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.